Detroit Auto Show to generate nearly $400 Million to the region’s economy

This week, thousands of
automotive executives, suppliers and members of the news media descend on
downtown for the annual North American International Auto Show. According to
the New York Times, the auto show is expected to contribute $365 million to the
local economy in wages and other spending.

More commonly known as the
Detroit Auto Show, the annual event is significant enough to bring estimated
5,000-plus journalists from around the world to the Motor City, along with most
of the industry's top executives. After the press-only days, about 750,000
members of the public will visit the newly upgraded Cobo Center to check out
the wares from dozens of domestic and foreign carmakers.

The Associated press reports , “business
at area hotels for the show is strong: Downtown hotels reported Friday that
occupancy is at 85 percent during the press days Monday and Tuesday and about
70 percent from Jan. 18 through Jan 26, when the show is open to the public.
Local restaurants and bars should be packed with an estimated 5,000 journalists
and 800,000 visitors expected at the show. Overall, the show provides a
pick-me-up for the area, illustrated by amped-up coverage from local television
stations and highway billboards welcoming visitors and industry types”.

Arthur C. Liebler, a former
marketing executive with Chrysler and Ford in an interview with the New York
Times said, “My hope is that the show will give visitors an understanding of
the real changes happening in the city, and that they’re not just cosmetic.”